The World’s Best eSports Tournaments: Prize Pools, Favourite Teams and Unforgettable Moments
Over time, digital sports (or “cybersports”) have evolved from a pastime into a significant industry, attracting millions of spectators and offering substantial rewards. In today’s discussion, we’ll delve into the most esteemed cybersport competitions, their unique aspects, lucrative prize funds, and teams that warrant your focus.
Top 6 eSports Competitions
Cyber sports are on an upward trajectory, drawing larger audiences and financial backing with each passing day. High-profile events such as The International, Worlds, and CS:GO Majors establish a benchmark for excellence, while emerging genres like Valorant and Fortnite inject excitement with their novel twists. Each competition isn’t merely about winning millions of dollars; it also showcases tales of resilience, skill, and aspirations. This is what makes the progression of cyber sports so captivating and thrilling to witness.
The International
The International (TI), organized annually by Valve, stands as the preeminent Dota 2 tournament. Since its inception in 2011, TI has emerged as a symbolic beacon within the cyber sports realm. Notably, it’s renowned among viewers and participants for its monumental prize pools, which are accumulated through a crowdfunding system where users purchase in-game items. In 2024, the prize pool surpassed $40 million, establishing TI as the event with the largest prize pool in all of cyber sports.
Prominent teams that garner interest from Uptown Pokies and betting enthusiasts are:
- Team Spirit – The International 2021 champion from Russia and one of the recognised leaders who consistently show the most consistent teams.
- PSG.LGD – the traditional tournament favourite from China who regularly reach the final matches;
- Tundra Esports – the winner of The International 2022, showing an aggressive style of play.
For enthusiasts of Dota 2, The International isn’t merely a competition; it’s a thrilling vacation experience. A remarkable ambiance, intense games, and iconic highlights combine to make it an unmissable spectacle.
League of Legends World Championship (Worlds)
The League of Legends World Championship (often referred to as ‘Worlds’) is a highly esteemed and widely-watched esports tournament that takes place annually across various nations. Every team aspires to claim the Invitational Cup in this competition, despite the fact that the prize money at Worlds is not as large as The International’s, it still offers a substantial reward: for instance, in 2024, there was a $10 million purse up for grabs.
Among all contenders, it’s widely recognized that T1, led by the exceptional Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyuk, has the strongest chance of emerging victorious in the tournament. They will face challenges from JD Gaming, who recently claimed the title at Worlds 2023 and continue to dominate global stages, as well as G2 Esports, renowned for their innovative strategies and captivating team members.
Any spectator of a Worlds match can’t help but admire the outstanding production put together by the organizers. The tournament’s start features live music concerts from renowned artists, while the stunning visuals and thrilling games draw in millions of viewers.
CS:GO Major Championships
The Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) Major Championships, run by ESL and BLAST, are considered the best in shooting competitions. They gather top teams worldwide to battle for the champion title. Notably, the 2024 tournament had a prize pool of $2 million to fight over. Although the prizes may seem small, it’s the prestige that sets these tournaments apart.
For those new to CS:GO Majors, keep an eye on top contenders like NAVI (Natus Vincere), Vitality, and FaZe Clan. These teams frequently clash in terms of strategy and gunplay. The allure of CS:GO Majors lies in their strategic complexity, the high caliber of players involved, and the thrilling ‘kambaks’ that make every match an exciting spectacle.
Fortnite World Cup
The Fortnite World Cup, a relatively new tournament, has swiftly gained popularity within the realm of online sports. Its thrilling gameplay and substantial prize funds have made it one of the most eagerly awaited competitions. In 2024, the Fortnite World Cup distributed $20 million among participants, with the solo tournament winner taking home an impressive $3 million. Several well-known eSports athletes have already secured partnership deals with the FaZe Clan organization, which advocates for them in the league and nurtures emerging talents. Today, the Fortnite World Cup brings together players from around the globe, transforming each match into a breathtaking spectacle filled with unexpected moments.
PUBG Global Championship (PGC)
2024’s PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds Global Championship (PGC) serves as the main event for the game. The competition takes place on expansive maps featuring various locations and exclusive game mechanics, which adds an extra layer of excitement. With a massive prize pool of $8 million in 2024, PUBG’s growing influence within the eSports world demonstrates its widespread appeal.
Favourite teams include:
- Gen.G, a repeat winner of international tournaments from South Korea;
- Four Angry Men (4AM) – a Chinese team known for its unique and flexible strategies.
As a die-hard fan, I’m thrilled to be part of the crowd rooting for FaZe Clan, a powerhouse that rules across various esports arenas. They’ve got their players in the game too! The PGC tournament is renowned for its nail-biting finals where each match carries the weight of determining the champion’s fate. So, let’s keep our eyes glued to the favorites as they strive for victory!
Valorant Champions
The most distinguished Valorant Champions competition, brought to you by Riot Games, showcases their tactical shooting game. Despite its recent release, it’s already garnered a massive audience. Moreover, the prize money is on the rise: in 2024, it reached an impressive $5 million, and the tournament’s popularity keeps increasing.
As a gamer, I’ve noticed that there aren’t many dominant teams globally yet, but that could change soon. For instance, the LOUD squad from Brazil made history by clinching the Valorant Champions title in 2023. The Fnatic team hailing from Europe is also making waves, with their seasoned players consistently delivering victories even against tough odds. If you’re into unorthodox strategies and innovative gameplay, keep an eye on Paper Rex, a budding talent emerging from Southeast Asia.
The combination of tactical depth and spectacle makes Valorant Champions a must watch.
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2025-01-27 18:18